Sunday, April 29, 2012

Weekly Photography Challenge: 'Q' - Quarters

This week's photography challenge was an object starting with the letter 'Q'.  We we felt it was appropriate to go with a good 'ol American quarter for our photograph, and jeez we should have picked another object - like quarterhorse.  (Or you can insert here - 'We almost started playing the drinking game quarters after this assignment!')  Have you ever tried to take a picture of a spinning quarter with a macro lens before?!  Testing our understanding of our macro lens and the ability to freeze action or end up with a slight blur at that level was actually quite interesting this week. 

Spinning Quarters Photography Challenge by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

Using our DIY Light Tent, we put a piece of South Dakota granite in the base of the tent and spun the quarter around on that.  It was a great way to get a little more practice with our new Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens .

Spinning Quarters Photography Challenge by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

If you have any 'Q' photographs for the weekly challenge to share, just put the link to your photograph in the comment box below to share with our readers. Join us next week for the photography challenge to find something starting with the letter 'R' in it.

Spinning Quarters Photography Challenge by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

T4T: Darren White and Best of Pinterest

Two for Tuesday - our time to pass along the two websites that caught our attention this week. We hope you enjoy these links and encourage you to visit these sites.

As always, we have written permission to post and take a screen shot of these websites from the owners. So onto the picks - here is our Two for Tuesday sites for you to dawdle the day away with...

Portfolio/Gallery - Darren White Photography

Fine art landscapes of the Pacific Northwest are Darren's feature photographs, but interestingly enough - it was his Random and Misc Photography gallery that caught our attention the most!  A lonely winding forest road, a beautiful barn scape, and a fabulous flower bud about to bloom from the darkness drew us into the rest of his site. 

Darren White Photography - http://darrenwhitephotography.com/

We suggest you spend time in his The Night Sky Gallery for amazing photographs of wind turbines in the night sky and the Milky Way flirting with the mountains.  Darren's eye for detail, the night sky, and the amazing color in the ordinary set him apart in his landscape photography.  His work has been featured in magazines with names like, Popular Photography!  We applaud Darren and continue to follow him through his social media presence on Google+ , where we first ran across him.  Keep up the amazing work, Darren!

Photography Blog - Well, how do you call Pinterest a blog...?  When you have a invitation only curated "Best of Pinterest Photographers" Board...

Whether you have joined the Pinterest phenomena with the other 12 million monthly unique visitors or not, you can't deny it's presence in the photographic world.  Arguments about copyright law set aside, the Best of Pinterest Photographers board is posts by invitation only and posted by the photographer themselves.  It is a great place to see what other people around the world are photographing and the styles that they are developing in.  Over 200 photographers joined and over 1,000 photographs for your perusing pleasure. 


Why did I choose to put it in our blog feature?  Pinterest is generating more referral traffic to websites than YouTube, Google+, and LinkedIn combined.  It's a great learning opportunity from a variety of worldwide photographers all in one place.  With over 3,000 followers of the board, it's a great visual expressway to get your work noticed in a very, visual social media format.  And, it's a great learning tool on how photograph posts on this social media site work.

Check out http://farbspiel-photo.com/connect/pinterest-photographers and join, if you dare!  Do you have what it takes?  We double-dog dare you!

These are our picks for this T4T Tuesday post! We hope you enjoyed the sites that we've found for you and spend some time this week getting to know them. Stop by their sites, add them to your Google+ circles, or give them a like on Facebook. Spread the word about the great works that are out there just waiting to be found...

And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , or sneak a peek at our own photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Sunday, April 22, 2012

Weekly Photography Challenge: 'P' Practice, Practice, Practice...

'Practice, Practice, Practice...' - it's our mantra for our photography, and it seems to be these young buffalo's as well!  We caught these two practicing for when they are older and will establish their dominance in the herd.  We hope you enjoy our 'P' photographs for this week - 'Practice makes perfect...' our lesson for the week.

Buffalo Bison Fighting in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Black Hills SD www.dakotavisions.com

Talking about practicing, we really wish we could have taken a picture of our Butter Pecan Homemade Ice Cream we made today - but our fingers were sticky, our lips were smacking, and we didn't have time to reach for the camera!  Thank goodness for church ice cream socials!

Buffalo Bison Fighting in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Black Hills SD www.dakotavisions.com

If you have any 'P' photographs for the weekly challenge to share, just put the link to your photograph in the comment box below to share with our readers. Join us next week for the photography challenge to find something starting with the letter 'Q' in it.  We've been dreading this letter, but we think we have a few ideas.

And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Saturday, April 21, 2012

Perfect Photo Suite 6: Review of Perfect Layers & Perfect Mask

We've had the opportunity to use Onone Software Perfect Photo Suite 6 for the last 3 months, and would like to share our findings.  We did not receive a free copy of their software to review.  We are providing this product review because we believe there is value for Aperture and Lightroom users in the following products.


The suite includes: Perfect Layers for a layered workflow without Photoshop.  Perfect Portrait for portrait retouching.  Perfect Mask for replacing backgrounds.  Perfect Effects, FocalPoint and PhotoFrame for creative effects and Perfect Resize, for image resizing using Genuine Fractals.  You can use the Perfect Photo Suite in any workflow, whether you work in Photoshop, Lightroom, Aperture or any combination.  Or simply put, you can also use Perfect Photo Suite as a stand alone application.  Each of these applications are available for purchase separately or all together in the Perfect Photo Suite package.

We are going to focus our review today on two of the tools:  Perfect Layers & Perfect Mask. 

Perfect Layers 2
Onone Software Perfect Layers V. 2 is a Lightroom and Aperture plug-in, as well as a stand alone Mac OS X and Windows application.  It is a powerful tool for layer-based image editing outside of Photoshop.  An easy to use and intuitive interface makes it easy to edit images with layers without requiring the overhead purchase of Adobe Photoshop.  It is similar enough to image-editing tools we already use: tools are in panels, layers can be toggled on and off, and the masking settings include easy to use sliders.  Retouch brushes, a file browser, blending modes, adjustment layers, color fill layers, and masking brushes are all available to use.  Perfect Layers also supports Wacom tablets.


You can use Perfect Layers for mixing multiple exposures into a single HDR-style image, or for creating effects by mixing certain portions of similar images.  I was able to make edits quickly without it feeling overwhelming. 

Perfect Photo Suite 6 Review by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Mt Rushmore Buffalo

Edited images are saved as PSD files so a fully integrated workflow into Aperture or Lightroom is available.  Or, if you want to make edits in Photoshop, the file layers are editable there, as well.

Overall, the tools and interfaces are well put together and the workflow is easy to integrate.  It should be, because Scott Kelby helped design the app!  Perfect Layers adds the layers tools that Lightroom and Aperture users need to quickly make their images look professional.  AND it's easy on the checkbook when purchased separately.  We have a tough time finding a negative with this software.

Perfect Mask 5
Onone Software Perfect Mask 5 can also be purchased as a stand alone application or as a part of Perfect Photo Suite 6.  Masks can be completed in a matter of just a few clicks.  Again, Perfect Mask can be accessed directly from Photoshop, Lightroom, Photoshop Elements and Apple Aperture.  Because there is no masking tools in Lightroom or Aperture without a plugin, photographers who use those programs for a majority of their workflow will benefit from this application.


The interface is easy to navigate but may require a little bit of study because it is not quite as intuitive.  It is not as complicated as the masking workflow in Photoshop so is a good stand alone substitute without the cost overhead.  If Perfect Mask detects a solid color background, it can remove it automatically.  So if you are doing masking projects a green screen or solid background speeds up the process considerably. 

Perfect Photo Suite 6 Review by Dakota Visions Photography LLC big horn sheep black and white photography

If you are already a Photoshop user and can maneuver around with the masking tools there, you will probably have a tough time learning the new tools in Perfect Mask.  But, if you are working in Lightroom or Aperture, the tools will be easy to learn.  The tool is an affordable alternative and provides new opportunities for your photographs.  As with all of their software, onOne Software offers a 30-day trial period, so you can run the software before deciding to make a purchase.  We again, recommend this software to Lightroom and Aperture users. 

We hope you have enjoyed this software review and take the time to add these into your workflow.  They are definitely worth the cost to add in as plug-ins for Aperture or Lightroom users. 

Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Now available from onOne Software - Perfect Photo Suite 7!  Check it out!

Google

Monday, April 16, 2012

Weekly Photography Challenge: 'O' - Outdoor Photography

Get outdoors!  Have some fun, and allow your camera to follow nature.  This week we had the opportunity to follow some Great Blue Herons nesting in Custer State Park high among the evergreen trees. 

Great Blue Herons Nesting In Flight in Custer State Park Black Hills SD by Dakota Visions Photography LLC

Great Blue Herons Nesting In Flight in Custer State Park Black Hills SD by Dakota Visions Photography LLC

Great Blue Herons Nesting In Flight in Custer State Park Black Hills SD by Dakota Visions Photography LLC

Great Blue Herons Nesting In Flight in Custer State Park Black Hills SD by Dakota Visions Photography LLC

If you have any 'O' photographs for this weekly challenge to share, just put the link to your photograph in a comment box below for all of our readers. Join us next week for the challenge to find a photograph with something starting with the letter 'P' featured in it.

And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Friday, April 13, 2012

Moving Mountains, One Photograph At A Time...

Let's start this one out with a bit of nostalgic history...and a disclaimer. 

This article is not for self-promotion, this article is not about wanting sympathy - this article is to raise awareness about a disease that captures so many loved ones, that sooner or later, it will affect your life. This article is about a plea to all photographers - find a cause, and fight for it.  Give back with your photography.

The best compliment that a photographer can receive about a work is, 'You moved me...'  It's time to move mountains.
The story starts with a man growing up of simple means, yet molded by complex situations that formed extraordinary principles he chose to pass along to his children. It started in the prairies and hills that I now call home - Western South Dakota. That man, my father, when I was in junior high, presented my brother and I cameras - a Pentax K1000 and a Pentax ME super (I still pull out the ME super for those special moments that a digital camera just can't capture).

At that point, my passion for photography was created...I was hooked, in fact - addicted. To look through that viewfinder and capture a moment of time, to steal a millisecond from the universe that no one could take away from you, to freeze a memory forever on a piece of photographic paper that could be shared - that passion was ignited.

All this, from a man that collected hundreds of antique cameras, but couldn't take a picture with any of them if his life depended on it. But when he saw the passion - he continued to fuel the fire by allowing opportunities, providing encouragement, and supplying product for the addiction. For that, father, I am grateful.

To explain a little further and to bring us to the present time, my father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, so the capturing of memories has taken on new meaning. So when the Alzheimer's Association of South Dakota approached us about teaming up with them for a photograph to be used for State Roll Call at the Advocacy Forum in Washington, DC - we didn't hesitate to say yes! 

Their promotion of South Dakota during the roll call in Washington, DC on April 24th will go something like this, "...we are from the Great State of South Dakota, home of Mt. Rushmore and the great plains buffalo, which contain omega rich meat that is not only good for your heart, but good for your BRAIN..."  And to accompany that will be our photograph below:

Moving Mountains One Photography At a Time Alzheimers by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Mt Rushmore Buffalo Bison

The mission of the Alzheimer's Association of South Dakota is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support of all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the prevention of brain health. We find this cause a worthy one to support and represent. Not only because by supporting the Alzheimer's Association the life you save may be your own, but it may be ours! 

So in closing, we are calling on all photographers and supporters of the See You Behind the Lens... blog. Join the fight to stop the spread of this deadly disease by donating or volunteering your time or photography skills today.  We, at Dakota Visions Photography, LLC join the fight each year by donating a part of our profit to Alzheimer's research along with our personal donations of time and support during the Walk to End Alzheimer's.  For news on the upcoming walks in South Dakota, join the Alzheimer's Association of South Dakota on Facebook

Each of your photographs has a voice. Use that voice to raise money, scream at injustice, chant for change, or speak in civilized protest.  Speak and be heard.  We can move mountains, one photograph at a time.

Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC.   Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

T4T: J. Azure & The Toad

Two for Tuesday - our time to pass along the two websites that caught our attention this week. We hope you enjoy these links and encourage you to visit these sites.

As always, we have written permission to post and take a screen shot of these websites from the owners. So onto the picks - here is our Two for Tuesday sites for you to devour tonight...

Portfolio/Gallery - J. Azure Photography

J. Azure Photography - http://jazurephotography.photoshelter.com/

The West Coast of America has some beautiful photography locations and a variety of weather to match.  J. Azure Photography have captured this part of America with a spectacular sense of purpose, vision, and composure.  From photographs of the Golden Gate Bridge emerging from fog to monochrome photographs of old, decomposing docks emerging from the misty waters, each photograph has a purpose and story to tell. 

The San Francisco Seascapes gallery is our favorite.  In each photograph of the sea, you can almost feel the waves push & pull you, while staring at the many aspects viewable to the human eye.   As a native Alaskan, you can tell that Joe is in touch with nature, light, and the weather from A to Z.  Great job, Joe!


Photography Blog - Toad Hollow Photography Blog

Toad Hollow Photography Blog - http://toadhollowphoto.com/

Our friend, Sir Toad a.k.a. Scott, has published his first ebook, The f-stops Here, and WOW!  He nailed it!  HDR is Toad's speciality, and is the main focus of the first release, of hopefully many, to his ebook.  His focus of camera tends to be real estate, architecture, historical artifacts, and machines - oh, those wonderful machines.  His HDR has been honed with great mentors and study, and now that knowledge is being passed on to others as he begins his journey to mentor others.

His blog is part educational, part personal & emotional, and part photographic journey.  You may also recognize him for his "Best of..." series that he writes for Lightstalking.com.  One of his latest articles can be found here...  Great job, Sir Toad, we are proud to call you a friend!  Keep up the great work, and we can't wait to read your next ebook release.   

These are our picks for this T4T Tuesday post! We hope you enjoyed the sites that we've found for you and spend some time this week getting to know them. Stop by their sites, add them to your Google+ circles, or give them a like on Facebook. Spread the word about the great works that are out there just waiting to be found...

And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Sunday, April 8, 2012

Weekly Photography Challenge: 'N' - The Easter Story, Nails & Narcissus

John 19:23-24  (NIV) When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”   This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.”  So this is what the soldiers did.

Nails Black and White Photography by Dakota Visions Photography LLC

Luke 23:44-47 (NIV)It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.”

Nails by Dakota Visions Photography LLC

Mark 16:2-7  (NIV) Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.  “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
Easter Flowers by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Yellow Daffodils Narcissus

Happy Easter to you and yours! 
Easter Flowers by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Yellow Daffodils Narcissus

If you have any 'N' photographs for this weekly challenge to share, just put the link to your photograph in a comment box below for all of our readers. Join us next week for the challenge to find a photograph with something in it starting with the letter 'O'. And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , or sneak a peek at our own photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...
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Thursday, April 5, 2012

10 Photography Gadgets Under $30 You Can't Live Without

Can't live without - well, maybe that's a stretch, but these gadgets have become constant companions with us in our camera bag.  We hope you enjoy our Top 10 list of photography gadgets.  And better yet - they're all under $30.00!

#10 - WhiBal G7 Certified Neutral White Balance Card - Pocket Card (2.1"x3.35")



#9 - Neewer 110CM 43" 5-in-1 Collapsible Multi-Disc Light Reflector



#8 - LensPen DSLRK-1 Camera Cleaning Kit



#7 - Nikon 8072 Microfiber Cleaning Cloth



#6 - Giottos CL3632 Microfiber Lens Pouch 4.7x7.9-Inch



#5 - Pelican 0915 SD Memory Card Protective Case





#4 - Lexar Professional 16GB SDHC 133x Class 10 Flash Memory Card



#3 - Puffin Pad, Camera Rest



#2 - Giottos AA1900 Rocket Air Blaster Large - Black



#1 - Polaroid Hot Shoe Three Axis Triple Bubble Spirit Level




And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC.   Information about the links above can be found on our Disclaimer page.  Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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